exercise while recovering from injury

I recently had an Achilles tendon rupture. It apparently was frayed for a while, which I was unaware of. It eventually ruptured and I had to have surgery to repair it. Right now I am in a splint, and will be for up to 8 weeks. I don't want to go crazy with exercise, since I do want to heal properly. Are there any exercises that are pretty effective, that won't put strain on my lower leg? I figured weights for the upper body, maybe pushups from my knees. Any other tips/advice? Thanks

Replies

  • dwick1017
    dwick1017 Posts: 21 Member
    Anything lying, such as bench press. Or you can use a bench sort of like a crutch. Put the injured knee up on the bench so you can basically stand and do those exercises. You are very limited cardio wise. The only thing I could think of is an arm ergometer which is really boring and not all gyms have them. Anything else is going to require you to bend your ankle. It will be a good 8 weeks to focus on weights though.
  • mrysnshn
    mrysnshn Posts: 36 Member
    dwick1017 wrote: »
    Anything lying, such as bench press. Or you can use a bench sort of like a crutch. Put the injured knee up on the bench so you can basically stand and do those exercises. You are very limited cardio wise. The only thing I could think of is an arm ergometer which is really boring and not all gyms have them. Anything else is going to require you to bend your ankle. It will be a good 8 weeks to focus on weights though.

    Thanks. I hadn't thought about using the bench.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    actually crutch walking can be good for cardio. I know in a splint you don't need them but borrow a pair and off you go. Crutch top sits below-not in-armpit.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    What has your doctor said you can do?
  • mrysnshn
    mrysnshn Posts: 36 Member
    meritage4 wrote: »
    actually crutch walking can be good for cardio. I know in a splint you don't need them but borrow a pair and off you go. Crutch top sits below-not in-armpit.

    It's a splint, and with a splint I can't put any pressure on my right foot for 6-8 weeks. I have crutches and have to use them.
  • mrysnshn
    mrysnshn Posts: 36 Member
    What has your doctor said you can do?

    He didn't really say what I can do. I didn't really aske what I can do workout wise though. He did tell me what I can't do. I can't put any pressure on my right foot. That's it.
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    Stay off the foot. But you could focus on upper body.